The 2001 Status of Women in Policing Survey shows that the number of women in sworn law enforcement remains small, and in large agencies the pace of increase has stalled or even reversed. Women accounted for only 12.7 percent of all sworn law enforcement positions in large agencies (with 100 or more sworn personnel). Women comprise an even smaller 8.1 percent of all sworn personnel in small and rural agencies (with fewer than 100 sworn personnel). Despite evidence that women and men are equally capable of police work, widespread bias in police hiring, selection practices, and recruitment policies keeps the numbers of women in law enforcement artificially low. Entry exams overemphasize physical prowess and block many qualified women from serving even though research shows that such tests are not job-related and they do not predict successful job performance. Many women are discouraged from applying to law enforcement agencies because of the aggressive and authoritarian image of policing; an image based on the outdated paramilitary model of law enforcement. On the job, women often face discrimination, harassment, and intimidation, and are maliciously thwarted, especially as they move up the ranks. Research has shown that women police officers use a style of policing that relies less on physical force and more on communication skills. As a result, women are often better at defusing potentially violent confrontations, and are less likely to become involved in use of excessive force situations. Women are substantially less likely to be named in a citizen complaint, sustained allegation, or civil lawsuit for excessive use of force. Women officers respond more effectively to domestic violence incidents. The disparity between the numbers of men and women involved in policing adversely impacts the culture, operations, and efficacy of law enforcement agencies. 9 graphs, appendixes, 24 endnotes